The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

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Every instalment in the long-running Zelda series is as sharp as
Link's sword but Twilight Princess is an absolute masterpiece.

This latest epic quest features a compelling, darker plot and
many memorable characters. Players control a grown-up Link,
exploring Hyrule on foot, on horseback or as a powerful wolf.

Link is transformed into the beast when entering the mysterious
Twilight realm, complete with heightened senses and brute strength.
The wolf sections are cleverly integrated into the game, and in
latter stages players can transform at will, allowing clever
puzzles.

Link's enigmatic, fascinating companion Midna is another
brilliant addition, providing helpful assistance and playing a key
role in the story, in which Hyrule is consumed by a world of
shadows and inhabitants turned to ghosts.

Some gamers were concerned that lengthy sessions with the
motion-sensing remote would be too tiring but the controls quickly
become second nature and do not require much exertion. Sword
swinging works well even though it doesn't require finesse and
pointing at targets when unleashing arrows or hurling boomerangs is
a terrific addition. Battling enemies from horseback is
particularly thrilling.

As usual, most time is spent in carefully constructed dungeons
such as forest, water, sky and fire temples. Each features many
ingenious puzzles and secrets and concludes with a battle against a
memorably massive, fearsome boss.

At more than 40 spellbinding hours, this is the largest Zelda
yet and features an almost overwhelming amount of content.
Diversions such as fishing, mini-games, collection duties and side
quests are extremely engaging time-wasters. The game could be
criticised for not radically altering the Zelda template but when
the formula is based on some of the best games made (Ocarina of
Time and A Link to the Past) it seems churlish to complain. Link's
legions of fans would not have it any other way.

ENDGAME: Imaginative and masterfully designed,
Twilight Princess is every bit as good as the best Zelda
adventures. It is hugely rewarding and absolutely essential for new
Wii owners.